I have heard about these in-famous Burnt Ends, but I have a quick question. Can you make just a bunch of burnt ends? Or are they just a cut of a bigger hunk of meat? As I understand from my readings, the burnt ends are just cuts from the short end of the Brisket. But, I have also heard that they are amazingly popular in the KC area.

So, any information you can share about Burnt ends, the better.. Can I just try making them all on their own?

"Burnt ends" are mostly trimmings from briskets. Kinda tough and dried out parts. They are excellent used as a flavoring in beans etc. due to there intense flavor. When cooked in beans or in a dish with moisture (chili, stews, soups) they become very tender. They can be created by returning a portion of a brisket (usually the point section) to the cooker for several addtional hours. In some areas you can order a plate of "burnt ends" sliced very thin with a sauce on them. Hope this helps!

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I normally will use the point from the packer cut brisket. I smoke it all together being the point and flat. Once done I pull both as one piece. Then I take the point and cut it into squares (Think bite size). I cover these in rub (my own). I then put them into a pan with holes poked in the bottom to let out excess fat/grease, I put a catch pan under it for the drippings. After two hours I pull these out and slather in BBQ sauce. I then put them back in for another two hours. I sauce them one last time an hour prior to pulling.

Not sure if they are technically "burnt ends" but that is how I was taught.

Yes, burnt ends are popular here in KC. When prepared properly, they are tender and very flavorful. I don't make burnt ends because my son and I will fight over the end pieces of a brisket or pork roast. Those pieces have a lot of the rub on them and taste delicious. And sometimes I will set the ends aside to chop up and add to smoked beans at a later cooking, as UB suggested. The burnt ends add great flavor to the beans.

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Brad, A good time to visit is the first weekend in October for the American Royal BBQ at Kemper Arena. Or over Memorial weekend at the Woodlands racetrack for another BBQ competition. I love Gates BBQ, there are several around the city. Another is the Smokehouse with three loctions around town. There are a lot of good BBQ restuarants in this city. Too many to choose from.
Bob

__________________ Good judgement comes from experience, and experience, well that comes from poor judgement!